What To Know
- A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature, and the mouth is the most common place to take a temperature reading.
- In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to keep a thermometer in mouth, ensuring accurate and reliable temperature readings.
- This method is less accurate than taking a temperature reading in your mouth, but it can still provide a general idea of your body temperature.
Measuring your body temperature is a crucial part of monitoring your health. A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature, and the mouth is the most common place to take a temperature reading. However, keeping a thermometer in your mouth can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to it. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to keep a thermometer in mouth, ensuring accurate and reliable temperature readings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose the Right Thermometer
The first step is to choose the right thermometer for your needs. There are two main types of thermometers: digital and glass. Digital thermometers are more accurate and easier to read, while glass thermometers are less expensive.
2. Wash Your Hands and the Thermometer
Before taking a temperature reading, it’s important to wash your hands and clean the thermometer. This will help prevent the spread of germs.
3. Place the Thermometer in Your Mouth
Place the thermometer under your tongue, with the tip pointing towards the back of your mouth. Close your lips around the thermometer and keep it in place for the recommended time.
4. Keep Your Mouth Closed
It’s important to keep your mouth closed while the thermometer is in your mouth. Breathing or talking can affect the temperature reading.
5. Hold the Thermometer Steady
Hold the thermometer steady in your mouth to prevent it from moving. This will ensure an accurate reading.
6. Read the Thermometer
Once the recommended time has passed, remove the thermometer from your mouth and read the temperature. Digital thermometers will display the temperature on a screen, while glass thermometers will have a line that indicates the temperature.
7. Clean the Thermometer
After taking a temperature reading, it’s important to clean the thermometer. This will help prevent the spread of germs.
Tips for Keeping a Thermometer in Mouth
- Relax: It’s important to relax while taking a temperature reading. This will help prevent your tongue from moving and affecting the reading.
- Don’t Bite the Thermometer: Be careful not to bite down on the thermometer. This can damage the thermometer and give an inaccurate reading.
- Don’t Talk or Breathe: Avoid talking or breathing while the thermometer is in your mouth. This can affect the temperature reading.
- Don’t Move the Thermometer: Keep the thermometer steady in your mouth to prevent it from moving. This will ensure an accurate reading.
When to Take a Temperature Reading
It’s important to take a temperature reading when you’re feeling sick. A fever is a sign of infection, and it’s important to monitor your temperature to ensure it doesn’t get too high. You should also take a temperature reading if you’ve been exposed to someone who is sick.
The Bottom Line
Taking a temperature reading is a simple and effective way to monitor your health. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you’re getting accurate and reliable temperature readings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I keep the thermometer in my mouth?
The recommended time to keep a thermometer in your mouth is 2-3 minutes.
2. What if I can’t keep the thermometer in my mouth for 2-3 minutes?
If you can’t keep the thermometer in your mouth for 2-3 minutes, try taking a temperature reading under your armpit. This method is less accurate than taking a temperature reading in your mouth, but it can still provide a general idea of your body temperature.
3. What if I get a reading that I don’t believe?
If you get a temperature reading that you don’t believe, try taking another reading. If the second reading is also high, you should contact your doctor.
4. How often should I take my temperature?
You should take your temperature when you’re feeling sick. You should also take your temperature if you’ve been exposed to someone who is sick.
5. What is a normal temperature?
A normal temperature is between 97.6°F (36.4°C) and 99.6°F (37.6°C).
